Visit Milwaukee Blog

The classic German tradition of the beer garden is back in a big way in Milwaukee’s local parks! These community gathering spaces aren’t just a great place to raise a glass – though you’re welcome to bring your own food, it’ll be hard to resist the Bavarian classics and picnic favorites served up alongside steins of beer. So come take a seat at a shared table and enjoy good beer, good friends and good food – prosit!

Milwaukee’s newest destination for a German good time is a brewery, beer hall and two beer gardens, all in one! Choose a spot on the full-service Beer Garden patio attached to the Beer Hall to enjoy the complete menu of Bavarian favorites from jaegerschnitzel to bienenstich.

Set on the banks of the Milwaukee River, this beer garden features beers imported from the Munich Hofbräuhaus. The daily menu includes brats, hot dogs and giant pretzels, but for a special treat, come for Friday Fish Fry or Saturday Schnitzel (both while supplies last).

Located in nearby Wauwatosa next to the TOSA Pool, The Landing serves a changing selection of craft and import beer. In addition to beer garden classics, The Landing also offers “Cranky’s Pizza” from locally beloved doughnut/pizza place, Cranky Al’s. Enjoy a few slices along with your brew!

Enjoy a rotating selection of craft beers and even handmade maple root beer on tap at this relaxed beer garden. It also has an impressively broad food menu, serving up small bites like beer cheese nachos, salads, sandwiches, pizza and ice cream alongside the expected wursts. Plus a pig roast every Saturday!

The animals, the bands, the rides – everyone has their own favorite part of the Wisconsin State Fair, but there’s one thing we can all agree on: the food! The fair is famous for over-the-top treats served at more than 200 concession locations. You’ll find classic fare and new (and ever wilder) delights served up at the various food vendors, but did you know that you can tell a lot about someone from their preferred State Fair food? It’s true!

Cream Puff: You’re young at heart, but you also appreciate the classics. Tradition means a lot to you, and you know that waiting for something just makes it better.

Baked Potato: You are responsible. You plan ahead and know the importance of looking before you leap.

A deep-fried, bacon-wrapped something on a stick: You are a thrill-seeker. A renegade. You don’t believe in doing anything halfway.

Cheese Curds: You’re dependable. You know what you like and you never compromise on it. Friends and family admire your strong sense of self.

Flavored Milk: You’re laidback. Why rush when you could just soak in the atmosphere? You probably actually read the program.

Do you recognize yourself or someone you know in these descriptions? Make sure to share this post with them!

It’s official – the whole world is ready to catch ‘em all! Milwaukee’s easily walkable downtown makes it a haven for Pokémon trainers, and with Lake Michigan, three rivers and tons of urban green space, there’s a huge variety of Pokémon types to be caught even if you stay right downtown. Tracking down PokéStops and Pokémon in PokémonGo is a great way to explore a new city or get a new perspective on your hometown – here are a few spots we recommend for Pokémon trainers in Milwaukee!

Wisconsin Avenue East: This main downtown drag is a great starting spot. There are many PokéStops and 3 gyms within 2 blocks, and it’s an easy walk to most of the other prime Pokémon -catching spots downtown.

Notable Pokémon: Growlithe, Onix, Tentacool

Tip: Start inside the Milwaukee Art Museum for several PokéStops, 2 gyms, a photo op and a coffee. Then walk east and you’ll find another gym at US Bank with many PokéStops along the way. Continue east to find the RiverWalk.

RiverWalk: Milwaukee’s 3-mile RiverWalk is studded with public art – which means lots of PokéStops! The famous “Bronze Fonz” statue is a must-visit selfie spot…and a PokéStop!

Notable Pokémon: Magikarp, Staryu, Squirtle

Tip: Find Gertie the Duck and you’ll find 4 hotspots within a few yards of each other.

Cathedral Square Park: This popular downtown park is always full of lures. It’s surrounded by several bars and restaurants, so make a stop to fuel up.

Notable Pokémon: Jynx, Jigglypuff, Hypno

Tip: Visit during Jazz in the Park every Thursday during summer to enjoy free music while you hunt.

East Side: You’ll find many stops between Brady Street, one of the city’s most popular destinations for nightlife, food and shopping, and the UW-Milwaukee campus. Keep heading east to enjoy great views of the lakefront while you’re out.

Notable Pokémon: Machop, Clefairy, Ponyta

Tip: Lake Park makes for a great social gathering. Colectivo on the Lake is the perfect rest stop while hunting along the lakefront.

Riverwest: There are many PokéStops and gyms in close proximity in this neighborhood on the north side of the city known for its funky style and cool venues.

Notable Pokémon: Scyther, Tauros, Dratini

Tip: N. Holton St. holds 3 gyms within a city block, and many PokéStops heading east toward the Milwaukee River.

BONUS! Milwaukee County Zoo: Where else can you catch some virtual critters while admiring over 2,500 live animals? The Zoo’s 200 acres are home to over 30 PokéStops and 4 gyms, so plan on spending a full day making the rounds here.

Along with cheese curds, frozen custard is one of the foods that are classically Milwaukee. Milwaukee is home to the world’s largest concentration of frozen custard shops, earning us the title of “unofficial frozen custard capitol of the world!” You won’t want to miss out on this sweet treat on your next visit – use this handy guide to turn yourself into a frozen custard pro!

What’s the difference between ice cream and frozen custard?

Ice cream and frozen custard are both made with milk, cream and sugar, but custard is also made with egg yolks. This gives it its richer, creamier texture!

What flavors will I find?

At most frozen custard shops, you can expect to find chocolate, vanilla and a special flavor of the day. The Flavor of the Day might be a classic like strawberry, butter pecan or mint chip, or a creative treat like tiramisu, peach melba or “Sugar Plum Fairy”! Local favorite Kopp’s has so many devotees of their specialty flavors that you can sign up for “Flavor Alerts” to get a notification when your favorite flavor is coming up!

How should I order my frozen custard?

There’s no wrong way to order it, my friend! Enjoy it in a cone or a dish, as part of a sundae, in a float – anywhere you’d like your ice cream, try it with frozen custard instead!

Wait, I think I’ve heard of this…is this what they have at Culver’s?

That’s right! Though they now have locations in 24 states, Culver’s was founded right here in Wisconsin and is still a great spot to get fresh frozen custard, especially when you’re on the road.

Awesome – where should I go for frozen custard in Milwaukee?

The “Big 3” of frozen custard in Milwaukee are Kopp’s, Leon’s and Gilles. Each of these restaurants have been in business for decades (Gilles is the oldest, opened in 1938!) and have earned a place as landmarks in Milwaukee culinary history. Every local has an opinion about which is the best, so the only way to really know for sure is to try them all yourself! A relative newcomer to the frozen custard scene but with plenty of old-fashioned charm is Northpoint Custard. This classic custard stand is located right on Lake Michigan, just off of Bradford Beach, making it the perfect stop on a summer afternoon.

The NY Times Frugal Traveler gave two thumbs up to Milwaukee, calling the city “vibrant and cheap,” which, hey – we’ll take it. There are certainly plenty of ways to enjoy the finer things in life in Milwaukee, but it’s also a city where great things come at a great price. These inexpensive or free things to do in Milwaukee are perfect if you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway on a budget or want to save up for a special night out while you're in town (James Beard nominated restaurants, anyone?).

Beer gardens

This German tradition is back in a big way in Milwaukee! Beer gardens are springing up at parks all around the city, and they’re the perfect place to hang out when you’re on a budget. Treat yourself to a stein, then take in the atmosphere, the good company and oftentimes live music! Many beer gardens allow visitors to bring their own picnics for extra savings, though there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to resist that giant pretzel once you see it. (Most beer gardens serving in traditional glass steins will charge a glassware deposit, but you’ll get it back before you go!)

Lakefront

No, not the brewery…the actual shoreline of Lake Michigan is a great spot to spend your time if you’re short on cash. The stunning views of the lake and the city’s architecture are all free. If you can time your visit right, watch the “wings” of the Milwaukee Art Museum open at 10 a.m., flap at noon or close at 5 p.m. (8 p.m. on Fridays). The trails along the lakefront are great for jogging, biking or just strolling, and if you have a little extra money to spend, you can rent paddleboats, bikes and more.

Brewery tours

The MillerCoors brewery tour takes you from the caves where Frederick Miller originally cooled his brews up to today’s high speed production lines and is FREE (that’s right, $0). But your dollar stretches far on any tour in town – $10 will get you a tour and plenty of delicious craft brews at Lakefront Brewery or Milwaukee Brewing Company, and for just $6 you can tour Sprecher Brewery and sample both beers and their popular gourmet sodas.

Summer concerts

This one is also totally free! Almost every night of the week, you’ll find free outdoor concerts in parks across the city. Local favorites include Chill on the Hill (Tuesday), River Rhythms (Wednesday) and Jazz in the Park (Thursday). These events vary on their carry-in policies, but enjoying nice weather and free music is always a good time!

Free events

From gallery nights and street festivals to museum free days and outdoor movies, there’s almost always something fun and free happening in Milwaukee. Check out the free section of Milwaukee365.com to see what’s on tap while you’re in town.

If a person goes on an awesome vacation but doesn’t post about it on Instagram, did it really happen? Better to play it safe and make sure you get some awesome photos during your trip to Milwaukee! Here are some recommendations for can’t-miss shots while you’re in Milwaukee, with a little help from the photographers of DearMKE.

What’s not to love about public art? Murals and outdoor sculptures give a city a personality all its own. Milwaukee’s RiverWalk is lined with sculptures, and you’ll find colorful murals like this one adorning several downtown buildings.

Ah yes, the classic food shot. Even if you’re not usually the kind of person who refuses to take a bite of your meal until you get the perfect shot, it’s still worth your time to get a snapshot of some local delicacies like custard or cheese curds.

Check out DearMKE.com to see more photos from locals showing off their Milwaukee pride – you’ll get some great inspiration from these talented local photographers! And make sure to share your own Milwaukee adventures with #VisitMKE.

You may think of cheese and bratwurst when you think of Milwaukee, but there’s no shortage of delicious vegetarian and vegan food being served up in our restaurants! Milwaukeeans love their local food, and you’ll find fresh farm-to-table favorites all across the city. Most restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian entrées, but the variety available at these local spots make them favorites for veggie lovers and omnivores alike!

Colour Palate – Enjoy specialty salads and wraps or build your own at this café conveniently located right downtown! All dressings are vegetarian, with several vegan options.

Bel Air Cantina – The city’s home for Mexican food with a twist offers several creative vegetarian and vegan tacos incorporating soy chorizo, grilled cauliflower and more.

Fuel Café – Fuel up in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood with vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, paninis, burritos and more, including their famous homemade vegan chili on the weekends.

Outpost Natural Foods Co-Op – Get your shopping done at this local co-op or just stop at one of their in-store cafes for delicious from-scratch, organic vegetarian and vegan meals.

Comet Café – This popular local diner focuses on from-scratch comfort food. There are lots of vegan and vegetarian entrees on the menu, and you can sub field roast in on any of their sandwiches for just $1.

Casablanca – In addition to vegetarian options on the regular menu, this Middle Eastern restaurant is a must-visit spot for their vegetarian lunch buffet, available Monday-Saturday.

Ian’s Pizza – There’s always a featured vegetarian slice on the menu at Ian’s, and many of their famous specialty pies (including the best-selling Mac n’ Cheese pizza) are vegetarian and can be made vegan.

Wolf Peach – Experience Milwaukee’s small plates scene through the vegetarian and vegan-friendly menu at this farm-to-table restaurant. In addition to an off-site farm, much of the produce and garnish is grown at their on-site garden.

Where do you go for the best vegetarian and vegan food in Milwaukee? Let us know!

Milwaukee is a city that honors its history, so it should come as no surprise that classic favorites like diners, supper clubs and cocktail lounges are still thriving alongside the innovative restaurants that make up the city's new-school dining scene. If you're looking to party like it's 1938 or just want a killer #ThrowbackThursday post, don't miss these retro-fab dining and drinking establishments while you're in town.

Founded in 1942, Miss Katie’s Diner is a 1950s throwback serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a full cocktail menu. Start off your flashback day with their famous corned beef hash for breakfast.

From the relish tray to frosty ice cream drinks, the supper club is a Wisconsin institution that locals have loved since the 1930s. Get a taste of the classic supper club experience at Five O’Clock Steakhouse, serving up supper club staples like the relish tray, fresh salads prepared tableside and, of course, premium steaks since 1946. Travel & Leisure described this steakhouse as a “classic supper club setting with a Mad Men vibe.” Or try Joey Gerard’s, a new restaurant with nostalgic feel. This Hollywood-style supper club brings traditional favorites to modern families, including an impressive menu of ice cream drinks.

If cocktails sound more tempting, don’t miss Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, a local gem open since 1938. A semifinalist for the James Beard Awards’ “Best Bar Program” (2013), Bryant’s repertoire includes over 450 specialty and classic cocktails, but you won’t see any menus in this stylish, intimate lounge. Instead, let one of the knowledgeable bartenders on staff use your preferences and tastes to guide you to the perfect drink. Up on the East Side, drink in vintage style at Vitucci’s. This cocktail lounge has been family-owned for 80 years!

Want to throw it back even farther? Learn more about Milwaukee's old school bar scene - including the oldest tavern in the city (built in 1850!).

VISIT Milwaukee is an award-winning convention & visitors bureau providing information on premier events, hotel accommodations, transportation, restaurants and fun things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Experience the warm hospitality of Milwaukee's local businesses. We hope to see you soon!